Chemistry undergraduates explore neem’s potential in antimalarial drug development production
By Mustafa Abubakar
Three final year students of the Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, have extracted chemical constituents from the neem tree, botanically known as Azadirachta indica and locally called Awo Opa, as part of their group research project aimed at exploring its potential application in antimalarial drug production.
The students, Adebayo Elizabeth, Aliu Oladimeji and Sumayyah Abdulkareem, who were observed processing the plant material last Tuesday (November 3, 2026), disclosed this while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin during a practical session at the Department.
They explained that their project focuses on the isolation and characterisation of chemical constituents of the plant, which is traditionally recognised for its medicinal applications, particularly in the management of malaria.
The students disclosed that the extraction process involves the use of different solvents, including water, ethanol and hexane, to obtain substances for further scientific examination.
According to them, the research is intended to provide practical knowledge of natural product extraction, chemical isolation and characterisation, while exploring the potential application of plant-derived compounds in pharmaceutical development.
They expressed their intention to publish their research findings and apply the knowledge acquired to further academic and scientific investigations.
The students also appreciated the opportunity to undertake the research, describing the practical exercise as an important aspect of their academic development.
The project highlights the importance of undergraduate research in exploring the potential applications of indigenous plants and advancing scientific knowledge in natural products research.
